University of St Andrews

It was an unvaluable experience, of course, as far as language experience is concerned. Nevertheless, I lived and had contact throughout the whole period most of all with other international students. So I became really proficient in a specialized area of the language - the philosophical jargon - and reached an advanced level in everyday english. I attended an eglish language summer course in study skills, which was very helpful, and then another one in the first semester which allowed me to take the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English once I was back in Italy.

Well, seeing as I am a "native" American speaker, I was looking forward to experiencing "proper" English English. As one who has devoted most of her time to studying and enjoying the English language in all its forms, I greatly enjoyed listening and being exposed to novelties of usage, accent, vocabulary, slang, etc. And of course the Scottish accent is impossible not to like. It was difficult to hear Americans speak. I see now where the "loud" American stereotype comes from. I tried my best to avoid that way of self-presentation.

This particular campus building was beautiful, very traditional, and true to the University's original character. In those respects, it met all my interests as a year-abroad student. I thoroughly enjoyed living around so many international students, but somewhat regret opting to have my own room; could be quite isolating.

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Overall the housing was adequate, I got a single room, which was very helpful since the classes I was taking were difficult for me. The food was good and available in the same building as the rooms, so you didn't have to trek in the pouring rain. Even if you're not overly excited about the accomodations themselves, the people are lovely.

St Andrews is an expensive city. I lived on campus (Albany Park) in a University-owned house with other 5 girls. Not lots of space, many problems with the fridge (!), not extremely beautiful, but it was on the sea, the cheapest thing you could find in town, 15 minutes walk from the centre, and much better than Fife Park, a similar group of University-owned houses, placed at 40 minutes walk from the centre.